High Resolution Digital Imaging Outsourcing
WE'LL DO IT FOR YOU...OR HELP YOU DO IT YOURSELF!
Since 1996, AIA has been a leader in designing and installing equipment and technology for digital labs and studios in libraries, museums, and scientific institutions. However, with the growth of digital initiatives we realized that in-house facilities could not always meet the needs of their in-house clients (too busy, did not have the right equipment for the job, or lacked the time or expertise to fulfill). There are other institutions that do not want to support an internal digitization effort, and there are those whose needs and collections are too small or limited in scope to cost justify a capital investment and support expert labor.
So, AIA decided not to re-invent the wheel, but to “team up” with two established imaging companies who added expertise, management, staff and facilities to equipment and technology. In alphabetical order:
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Archetype Digital Imaging Alliance Berkeley, CA |
and Boston Photo Imaging in Boston
Bill Smith and crew capturing the Constitution of the State of Massachussetts.
Both companies are totally integrated into AIA in terms of management, customer service, job tracking, estimates and quotes, consultations, and billing.
From monochrome, to RGB, to Multi and Hyper Spectral scanning, AIA has always provided quality service, technology, and and the highest level outstanding customer service. To this end we have formulated three models of delivering outsourcing service:
Traditional Outsourcing - many special collections or projects cannot be scanned in house because they cannot be cost justified or they exceed the current inhouse capabilities. In these cases the materials are sent to our Boston or Bay Area facilities. There they are received in and re-inventoried, stored with heat, humidity, and security accounted for, handled with the curatorial concern you would expect, and scanned using the best available technology for your job. Of equal importance, there will be emphasis on customer service, communications at all stages of the project, and special attention to quality control procedures that ensure your specifications are apparent in the final product.
Facilities Management - in the advent that transporting material is too risky or logistically impossible, we bring our equipment and staff to scan at your facility and stay until the project is completed. Equally, if possible, AIA can also provide equipment, training and workflow procedures for your staff, and provide on-going supervision and project management.
Succession A unique relationship in which AIA staffs and equips your facility, gradually trains and integrates your staff into the production cycle, and at a specific milestone, turns the equipment and production over to the host on a permanent basis.
WHY OUTSOURCE?
- Capital investment is usually greater than the cost of services.
- Equipment and technology require periodic updating and maintenance.
- Turning your institution into a production company is a complicated task that requires significant investments of resources and time.
AIA and its partners subscribe to the idea to “Do It Once…Do It Right!” Digital imaging projects are a major investment in time and resources. It makes good sense to create the highest-quality digital image when the time comes to digitize.
When faced with the most unusual circumstances, photographic challenges, and demands…”who ya gonna call”?
AIA’s “Ghost Busters” We thrive on complex, challenging projects including photography of large flat art originals, delicate or fragile artworks, irregular sized originals in a gallery or on the grounds, dimensional artifacts of all types from tapestry to glass to clay to bronzes, old vaudeville panoramas, and weird architecture. You name it--our principals can put their 50 years of experience to work to overcome any obstacle you may encounter in your digitization. Our specialty is large (and even larger) works of art, delicate and fragile originals, or dimensional subjects that require extreme specialized lighting. The extensive experience of our photographers will produce images with extraordinary detail and texture, sharpness, and color fidelity.
Ben Blackwell, Archetype/AIA |
Ben Blackwell, Archetype/AIA |
Ben Blackwell, Archetype/AIA |
Ben Blackwell, Archetype/AIA |